[Primary carcinoma of the gastric stump. Physiopathological, diagnostic and therapeutic considerations].

Even though the primary carcinoma of the gastric stump is a tumor that will diminish in frequency in the years to come, it is still a topic of scientific studies. The authors report their experience with four cases of primary carcinoma of the gastric stump treated surgically as compared to 89 cases of carcinoma of the stomach operated in the same period. After some comments on the etiopathogenesis that is at the basis of the neoplastic mutations of the remaining gastric epithelium, clinical, prognostic and pathologic features that differentiate this type of tumor from those which develop in unoperated stomachs are examined and, then, the most frequent therapeutic approaches are illustrated. In conclusion, it is sustained that patients who have undergone partial gastrectomy for benign disease should be closely followed-up from the tenth year after the operation and, in any case, in those who are over fifty years of age.